LEUKOPENIA

abnormally low number of white blood cells (leukocytes) in the blood circulation, defined, for statistical purposes, as less than 5,000 leukocytes per cubic millimetre of blood. Leukopenia often accompanies certain infections, especially those caused by viruses or protozoans, as well as any overwhelming infection. Other causes of the condition include debilitation, malnutrition, chronic anemias, some spleen disorders, agranulocytosis, lupus erythematosus, and anaphylactic shock.